Conference 2023 – That’s a Wrap
Thank you for joining us at the 2023 Caravan Industry National Conference! We’re delighted to report that we’ve set a new record – with over 1000 delegates in attendance! The event was teeming with enthusiasm, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the future of the caravan industry.
We couldn’t have asked for a better tee-off, opening Wednesday’s events with the K-mac Powerheads and Thetford Golf Day. While the dazzling Queensland weather provided the perfect backdrop for the rest of the conference. Congratulations again to Augusta Golf Carts for their 1st place victory! The Future Leaders Summit was a testament to the wealth of talent that our industry houses, and the inaugural EV & Future Fuels Summit revealed some exciting prospects for innovation and sustainability, highlighting the bright and sustainable future possible for our industry.
The plenary program got off to an inspiring start, with a stirring Welcome to Country from Uncle Luther and a moving address from our Chairman, Grant Wilckens. Our MC, Kimberley Busteed, known for her features in Channel 7 travel shows, made her conference debut and did an amazing job steering the conference. Michael McQueen, our opening keynote speaker, set the tone for an event full of engaging and enlightening discussions. The hugely talented Adriano Zumbo delighted us all with his exclusive cooking class. While the kitchen venue, Videre Bar, provided a breathtaking panorama view of the Gold Coast.
The trade expo bustled with activity, with fresh and modern booths attracting delegates eager to explore the latest trends and technologies in the industry. Delegates then enjoyed welcome drinks and networking in the evening, making for a perfect close to the opening day.
Thursday’s events began with a unique goat yoga session on the lawn and a comprehensive overview of the current state of the market at the Research Breakfast. A series of plenary sessions featuring industry professionals and experts, including our principal sponsor Dometic Outdoor, provided valuable insights into global trends, the power of storytelling, 3D printing in the manufacturing space, leadership, customer service, and more. While the IVECO poolside Casual Dinner was nothing short of amazing, filled with good food, wine, conversations and laughs, and the atmosphere hummed with excitement and frivolity. The dinner was then followed by live music from Aussie rock star Shannon Noll, courtesy of VAN JAM – CTIAQ’s new caravan show that combines the structure and appeal of a music festival packaged with traditional caravan show elements.
Friday started with an invaluable session by Brian Parker, Chief Economist of Australian Retirement Trust, who guided us through the current economic landscape and future projections. The closing plenary session saw Craig Kirby from RVIA, Jason Plant from CTIAQ, and the Future Leaders panel offer intriguing perspectives about the future of the industry. The afternoon wound down with a relaxed barbecue on the lawn featuring live music by Reigan Derry, who was generously sponsored by Modnpods, and an unexpected fireworks display served as an outstanding prelude to the Gala Dinner.
The Gala Dinner was a night to remember! Elegant attire, exciting performances, and the announcement of prestigious industry award winners created an atmosphere of celebration. We applaud all award winners, especially Alison Huth, the recipient of our industry’s highest honour – the Eric Hayman OAM Award. We also gave five people the chance to win an incredible CFMoto buggy in a Willy Wonka style lucky draw, where five golden tickets were hidden in chocolate bars.
On behalf of the whole team, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all delegates, speakers, sponsors, and everyone else who contributed to the success of the 2023 Caravan Industry National Conference. Your participation and dedication are the lifeblood of this event, and we eagerly look forward to seeing you next year. Let’s continue to drive the industry forward together!
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